VAL THORENS - Introduction
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and offers guaranteed snow throughout the season, and is also part of the famous 3 valleys ski area. The resort’s fantastic lift system is the envy of most of the other ski resorts and you will find that you never have to queue for very long, even on the busiest dates of the season. The resort offers a fantastic selection of accommodations ranging from 3 and 4 star hotels to a great range of quality and affordable self catering apartments and chalets. Val Thorens also boasts an impressively long ski season: from November 20th, 2010 to May 8th, 2011.
Skiing
Val Thorens offers skiers some of the best skiing in Europe, whether it’s their superb beginner facilities, wide choice of immaculately groomed pistes or the extensive off piste options available to the adventurous among you, it really has something for everyone. Last year Val Thorens installed 4 new beginner lifts adjacent to the ski school meeting points and nursery slopes making it the ideal place to learn how to ski or board. The local area lift pass also includes the lesser known 4th Valley of Orelle, where you will often find slightly quieter lifts and pistes along with some fantastic off piste.
Snowboarding
Val Thorens is purpose built so that the slopes begin right at your doorstep. The area offers a fanatic playground for both beginners and experts alike. Advanced snowboarders can benefit from the endless off piste powder fields in Lac Du Lou or the hidden valley. Guides are recommended when going off-piste. Val Thorens boasts an impressive freestyle area and board park Located on the Plateaux sector. The Snowpark is made up of tables (jumps), rails and boxes (sliding units) of different sizes, along with other features a bit more unusual such as hips-quarter or the Jump’ Air (shock absorbing stunt man’s mattress) which will allow you to try acrobatic jumps in complete safety!
Ski Schools
SkiExtras recommends Prosneige Ski School who offers you a wide range of courses for activities such as ski, snowboard, carving, freeride, freestyle, telemark, handiskiing, and snowshoewalking. Remember SkiExtras can offer you great prices on pre booked group lessons – let us give you a low cost quote.
Eating Out
There is a superb variety of restaurants situated in and around Val Thorens including L’Oxalys, La Joyeuse Fondue, Le Vieux Chalet and the fabulous Chalet Marine to name but a few.
Bars and clubs
There are many Bars and clubs in Val Thorens suitable for those wanting a lively and entertaining evening. The most popular bars are The Frog and Roast Beef famous for their extensive and mind warping shooters menu, O'Connells Pub for the traditional Irish bar and dry wit, Saloon Bar and if you are looking for great cocktails why not check out The Tango bar and join in with the 70's night every Tuesday?
Off the slopes
Val Thorens is not just for the snowboarding and skiing enthusiast, as the resort offers a whole host of activities and amenities including weekly concerts at the village church, skidoo rides, quad biking, luge rides to name but a few. The resort has one of the best sports centres in the Alps and has been recently refurbished. The centre includes a large swimming pool, saunas, Jacuzzis, steam room, indoor football, tennis, squash and a large indoor children’s activity area.